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Stem Cells Questions Worksheet LA
Stem Cells Questions Worksheet LA
an undifferentiated cell which can give rise to many more cells of the same type and
from which specialised cells can arise through differentiation
an undifferentiated cell which can differentiate to form a specialised cell and can
continue to differentiate into other cells throughout its entire existence
2. Place one tick () in each row to show whether the statement describes adult stem cells or
embryonic stem cells.
Adult Stem Embryonic
Statement
Cells Stem Cells
Found in human embryos.
3. Which type of disease are scientists already providing a treatment for with the use of stem
cells?
Tick one box.
Alzheimer’s disease
anxiety
leukaemia
sepsis
4. Explain why the use of embryonic stem cells could make it possible to treat a wider range of
diseases.
1 of 2
Stem Cells Comprehension Questions
6. Evaluate the use of adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells for therapeutic treatments.
2 of 2
Stem Cells Comprehension Answers
1. What is a stem cell?
an undifferentiated cell which can give rise to many more cells of the same type
and from which specialised cells can arise through differentiation
an undifferentiated cell which can differentiate to form a specialised cell and can
continue to differentiate into other cells throughout its entire existence
2. Place one tick () in each row to show whether the statement describes adult stem cells or
embryonic stem cells.
Alzheimer’s disease
anxiety
leukaemia
sepsis
4. Explain why the use of embryonic stem cells could make it possible to treat a wider range of
diseases.
Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any type of cell so they potentially can be
used to treat many types of diseases and injuries.
Stem Cells Comprehension Answers
6. Evaluate the use of adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells for therapeutic treatments.
Level 3: There is a clear discussion of the use of different types of stem cells, with direct
comparative statements made.
The evaluation takes into consideration the practical implications, but also social and ethical
points. The evaluation provides both advantages and disadvantages of the use of both types
of stem cells, in a clearly balanced manner.
Level 2: There are several correct statements made, which attempt to discuss the use of
adult stem cells in comparison to the use of embryonic stem cells. The evaluation provides
both advantages and disadvantages of the use of both types of stem cells, but not necessarily
in a balanced manner.
Level 1: There are simple statements about either adult stem cells, or embryonic stem cells.
No comparisons or evaluation is given.
Indicative content:
Advantages of adult stem cells:
• less likely to be rejected when transferred to a patient
• have proven success in clinical applications
• no major ethical concerns
Disadvantages of adult stem cells:
• limited differentiation potential/can only differentiate into a few cell types
• can only be cultured for short durations
• difficult to locate/isolate
• cannot be cultured on a mass scale
• suitable bone marrow donors are difficult to find